Severe Thunderstorms Hit Savannah, Causing Funnel Clouds and Flooding

News Summary

Savannah faced severe thunderstorms that led to funnel cloud sightings and significant flooding. The storms raised concerns about downed trees and debris, while the National Weather Service issued warnings for several counties. Although a funnel cloud was reported, it did not touch down, avoiding any tornado confirmations. Residents were advised to remain indoors and stay updated on weather conditions. Rainfall reached up to 5 inches, causing street flooding, especially in Downtown Savannah. Looking ahead, the weather is expected to improve with a lower chance of rain for the weekend.

Savannah experienced severe thunderstorms on Friday, resulting in funnel cloud sightings, flooding, and intense lightning. Initial warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS) for Beaufort and Jasper counties were allowed to expire after the storms moved out of the area, but subsequent alerts were issued for strong thunderstorms until 4:15 p.m. for Coastal Jasper and Beaufort Counties.

At 3:49 p.m., Doppler radar tracked a line of strong thunderstorms stretching from Bluffton to Midtown Savannah, moving east at a speed of 20 mph. Wind gusts associated with the storms raised concerns about downed tree limbs and loose debris. Areas affected included Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Tybee Island, Wilmington Island, Fort Pulaski National Monument, Bellinger Hill Area, Hutchinson Island, Midtown Savannah, Downtown Savannah, and Hunter Army Airfield, impacting I-16 between mile markers 166 and 168.

Residents were advised to monitor NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, local television, and news sources for real-time updates on weather conditions. The safety recommendations included seeking shelter indoors and remaining vigilant as severe thunderstorms posed risks of lightning. On average, the United States witnesses approximately 25 million lightning strikes annually, especially in summer, leading to around 20 fatalities each year.

The day began with a severe thunderstorm warning issued primarily for Beaufort and Jasper counties, where residents initially faced the brunt of the storms. As the system shifted south-southeast, it intensified further, bringing heavy rainfall and creating conditions conducive to funnel cloud formation. A funnel cloud was reported near Downtown Savannah around 6:24 p.m.; however, it did not touch down, which means there was no official tornado confirmation. Tornado warnings were subsequently issued for Chatham and Bryan counties due to observed funnel formations.

Throughout the storm, thousands of lightning strikes were recorded from the Lowcountry through Savannah. The deluge of rain resulted in significant street flooding, especially across Downtown Savannah and its southern areas. Over the previous two days, rainfall totals reached between 2 to 5 inches, with the majority of rain falling within a short period, further exacerbating flooding conditions.

Looking ahead to the weekend, rain chances are expected to significantly decrease, with forecasts indicating a probability of 20% or less for Saturday and Sunday. Residents have been encouraged not to alter outdoor plans due to this anticipated dry weather.

Severe thunderstorms are part of a seasonal pattern for the region, often characterized by heavy rains, strong winds, and lightning. The National Weather Service typically monitors these developments closely, issuing warnings and alerts for affected areas to ensure public safety.

The storms that swept through Savannah serve as a reminder of the powerful nature of summer weather patterns that can lead to dangerous conditions, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and awareness in the face of severe storms.

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Additional Resources

• WJCL: Severe Storms Hit Savannah Area
• Myrtle Beach Online: Weather News
• Bluffton Today: Severe Weather in Lowcountry
• Wikipedia: Thunderstorm
• Island Packet: Weather News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Lightning